On 15 October 2026, the International Currency Association (ICA) held the first ICA Women in Currency gathering at the margins of the Intergraf conference in Copenhagen.
Look at a photo from almost any conference or event in the currency industry and the picture tells the story: there are far too few women in it. ICA Women in Currency aims to change that by bringing women in the industry closer together, and by encouraging more women to join, grow and stay in it. Its purpose is reflected in its name: ICA – Inspire – Connect – Advance.
The initiative is led by three ICA Board members, Marilou Robinson (Canadian Bank Note Company), Annette Holdermann (G+D) and Isabel Valldecabres Ortiz (FNMT-RCM), all of whom were re-elected to the ICA Board on 13 October. They are supported by Karen Baldock, ICA Director of Events.
The turnout far exceeded expectations, and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. The open discussion produced a wealth of ideas that will help shape the initiative’s next steps.
“This initiative can make a real difference to our industry, and I will do everything I can to help it succeed,” said Frane Maroević, ICA Director General.
Further ICA Women in Currency activities will be announced in due course. Women in the currency industry who would like to get involved are invited to contact the ICA Secretariat.
